Help me choose my next laptop, and the specs

My last computer was the HP DV5Z, which I LOVED. It was the perfect size, did everything i needed it for, and was an overall great choice.

Unfortunately, 1) My laptop was stolen when my apartment was broken into , and 2) they no longer sell the dv5z on hp.com

Now, I am for sure going to order my laptop from hp.com, so I need to know what you guys would recommend.

I will use my laptop for gaming, research, college, and DVD burning.

I am almost positive I want the slightly bigger dv6z, and thats my main choice.

However, I'm not sure how big of a difference performance in CPU is, if 4 gigs of ram is REALLY worth it over 3gigs of ram, whats the benefit of the wireless-N card over G, and how come all the coupons are used up

 

I would recommend the HDX16 if you want to game. It is alitte big with the 16inch screen but its not giant. If you've seen a 15.4 inch screen laptopl then that is about how big it is, but maybe 1 inch wider.

I would go with at least 4 gigs if you want to game. However, that means you would have to get vista 64. I don't mind but some hate vista 64 since there are some programs/games that are not compatible with it.

Wireless N is much faster, about double of G. However, you would need a router capable of wireless N also. But, N is still new and therefore may have issues at stability like I do. I've since switched back to G because of this.

The coupon is used up because it expires on a certain date and or when it gets used by 1800 people. Then it expires. However, HP has giant coupons every month. Just wait for it. In dec. it was 30% off, in Feb, it was 30% and march, it was 25% and this month it was 30%.

Just do a google search once in a while.

Although you may be new to the forum and know not alot, ALL of your questions can be answered by simply reading this forum. Fortunately I'm bored and having nothing better to do but still. Just read and search this forum for your answers as for example, the coupon thing, I've answered like 10 times to 10 different people.

 

4GB is such a cheap upgrade right now, i don't see any reason to get less than 4GB as it's practically considered entry level these days. IMO, any P series Intel processor > 2.0GHz will be plenty powerful. processors upgrades are very expensive and probably won't make a huge difference for you. The N card probably won't make much of a difference right now, but it could in the future for you. For about $25, why not? Your main concern should probably be getting the best graphics card available... Also, I noticed you mention the the dv6z- why not go for an intel version such as the hdx16 or it's cousin, the dv6t?

 

Good idea. I decided to go for the Dv6t. Now I'm just waiting for a magical coupon to show up, and I'll be all set.

The HD16x has little interest to me because of its price. The dv6t will do everything I need it to do.

I DO game, but not the most cutting edge latest games, so the dv6t is perfect

 

The dv6z is its replacement. You might also want to check out the dv2z its really nice. By the way sucks about your laptop getting stolen. I reccomend buying some lo-jack for laptops if you had it you might have gotten your laptop back.

 

Start with fast, rugged, and free then work your way down from there.